Benefits of breastfeeding: What to expect in the first few weeks

In the first few weeks with a newborn, you may be sitting up at 3am, sore and unsure, wondering if your baby is getting enough. You may be searching for answers about low milk supply, trying to work out whether your baby is latching properly, or wondering if pumping would make things easier. 

In this article, we’ll walk you through what to expect in those first few weeks, from the benefits of breastfeeding to common challenges and practical ways to make things easier. 

Why breastfeeding matters for you and your baby 

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, followed by complementary foods alongside continued breastfeeding up to two years or beyond ^[1].  

The benefits can be looked at in two ways: what breast milk provides for your baby, and how breastfeeding can benefit you. 

But knowing the benefits does not mean every breastfeeding journey will look the same. Some babies latch easily, while others need more time and support. Some mothers exclusively breastfeed, while others pump, combination feed or use formula. 

The goal is to find a feeding approach that keeps your baby nourished and works for your family. 

What are the breastfeeding benefits for baby?

Breast milk provides the nutrients a baby needs during the first months of life. It also contains antibodies and other protective factors that can help protect babies against infections, including respiratory and gastrointestinal infections ^[2].  

Breastfeeding is also associated with longer-term health benefits and linked to a lower risk of childhood overweight and obesity ^[2].

However, breastfeeding is not a guarantee that your baby will never get sick or develop health problems. Babies still need appropriate healthcare and nutrition as they grow. 

What are the benefits of breastfeeding for mothers? 

The benefits of breastfeeding are not only for your baby. 

Breastfeeding is associated with a reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancer, as well as type 2 diabetes in mothers ^[3].  

It can also support recovery after birth. For some mothers, breastfeeding becomes a quiet moment of closeness in an otherwise busy and tiring day ^[3].  

Breastfeeding vs pumping: Do you have to choose? 

Breastfeeding and pumping does not have to be an either-or decision. 

Many mothers breastfeed directly when they are with their baby and pump when they need to be apart. Others pump more frequently and bottle-feed expressed breast milk. 

Pumping can also become more important when maternity leave ends. In Singapore, returning to work is often the point when mothers need to rethink their feeding routine. 

What can you do about low milk supply? 

Concerns about low milk supply are common in the early weeks. Breasts feeling softer or expressing less milk during one pumping session does not necessarily mean that you have a low milk supply. 

One of the most useful things you can do is focus on how your baby is feeding and growing rather than judging your supply by how full your breasts feel or how much milk you pump. 

Frequent and effective milk removal through breastfeeding or expressing helps establish and maintain milk production. Feeding according to your baby’s cues and making sure your baby is latching effectively can therefore be important when establishing your supply ^[1].

If you are concerned about low milk supply, your baby’s wet nappies, weight gain, feeding behaviour and overall health can provide a clearer picture. 

A doctor or lactation consultant can assess your baby’s feeding and help identify whether there is genuinely a supply issue or another reason feeding may be difficult. 

How to increase breast milk in the early weeks 

If you are hoping to increase breast milk, start with the basics before reaching for supplements or special foods. 

A few practical things that may help include: 

• Feed your baby frequently and respond to feeding cues
• Check your baby’s latch and positioning
• Avoid unnecessarily long gaps between feeds or expressing sessions
• If you pump, make sure the breast pump and flange size are comfortable and appropriate for you
• Get breastfeeding support early if feeding is painful or your baby is struggling to latch
• Accept help with meals, household tasks and other responsibilities so you can focus on feeding and resting. 

Early skin-to-skin contact and skilled breastfeeding support can also help mothers establish breastfeeding and improve the likelihood of continued breastfeeding ^[4].  

How can you continue breastfeeding after returning to work in Singapore? 

Returning to work does not necessarily mean you have to stop breastfeeding. 

For mothers planning exclusive breastfeeding in Singapore, expressing milk can help you continue providing breast milk while you are away from your baby. HealthHub recommends planning ahead, including expressing and storing milk before maternity leave ends and expressing during working hours ^[5].

A breast pump for working moms can make this routine easier, particularly if you need to express regularly outside the home. 

When choosing a pump, consider practical factors such as: 

• Portability and size 
• Battery life or charging options
• Ease of cleaning
• Comfort during longer pumping sessions
• Flange fit
• How easily it fits into your working routine 

You can also breastfeed directly before leaving for work and after returning home, while your baby has expressed milk during the day. 

There is no need to create a complicated schedule from the beginning. Start with a routine that fits your working hours, commute and baby’s feeding pattern, then adjust as you learn what works. 

Finding a breast pump that fits your breastfeeding routine 

Whether you primarily breastfeed, pump or combine both, having equipment that feels comfortable and fits your routine can make expressing milk less of a chore. 

Pigeon has spent decades researching and developing feeding products around the needs of mothers and babies, with a focus on comfortable and efficient milk expression. Its breast pump range includes options designed for different routines, whether you are expressing at home, on the go or between meetings at work. 

A breast pump cannot determine how your breastfeeding journey will go, and there is no product that can replace proper feeding support when you need it. But the right equipment can make expressing milk feel a little easier to manage. 

There is no single right way to feed your baby. Whether you breastfeed, pump, or do a bit of both, give yourself the space to find what works for you and your baby. If you need a little extra support along the way, the right tools can help make your routine more manageable. 

Learn more about Pigeon breast pumps

References 

1. World Health Organization, “Infant and Young Child Feeding.” Accessed August 12, 2026. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/infant-and-young-child-feeding 

2. Pan American Health Organization / WHO, “Breastfeeding and Complementary Feeding.” Accessed August 12, 2026. https://www.paho.org/en/topics/breastfeeding-and-complementary-feeding 

3. World Health Organization, “Continued Breastfeeding for Healthy Growth and Development of Children (eLENA).” Accessed August 12, 2026. https://www.who.int/tools/elena/commentary/continued-breastfeeding 

4. World Health Organization, “Guideline: Protecting, Promoting and Supporting Breastfeeding in Facilities Providing Maternity and Newborn Services.” Accessed August 12, 2026. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK487801/ 

5. HealthHub Singapore, “Breastfeeding.” Accessed August 12, 2026. https://www.healthhub.sg/well-being-and-lifestyle/pregnancy-and-infant-health/pregnancy-feeding-your-baby-breastfeeding